A piece of downtown Macon’s retail history returned to the skyline Wednesday, December 17 as the iconic Joseph N. Neel’s Department Store sign was officially installed and lit atop the Neel’s Lofts development at 462 Cherry Street.

The lighting ceremony marked a major milestone for Neel’s Lofts, a new 95-unit residential project rising on the former site of the beloved department store that anchored downtown Macon for more than a century. The project is led by H2 Capital in partnership with Piedmont Construction Group, with the sign restoration completed by The Sign Store.

“For generations, this sign was a beacon for downtown Macon,” said Robbo Hatcher of H2 Capital. “By restoring and lighting this iconic landmark, we are honoring the past while carrying that legacy forward as we build new opportunities in the heart of Macon.”

Originally installed atop the Joseph N. Neel’s Department Store, the sign has been carefully preserved, refabricated, and reinstalled as a defining feature of the new construction project. The sign has been modernized with back lighting that can change colors to fit Macon’s various seasons –from green and red for the holidays, to pink for the International Cherry Blossom Festival, to orange for Mercer football and the fall season, and everything in between.

“This wasn’t just another sign,” said Mike Lewis of The Sign Store. “It’s part of Macon’s identity and memories of Maconites. Our team worked hard to preserve its character while ensuring it could shine safely and beautifully for decades to come.”

The return of the Neel’s sign stands as a visible symbol of downtown’s ongoing revitalization, one that is rooted in preservation, partnership, and a shared commitment to honoring Macon’s story while building what comes next.

Following the lighting, attendees toured the project’s model unit and learned more about leasing opportunities. Neel’s Lofts will include a coworking space, two retail storefronts, and a restaurant space, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination along Cherry and Third Streets.

Neel’s Lofts is expected to welcome its first residents in 2026. For more information, please visit neelslofts.com.